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Easy Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet: Best One-Pan Dinner

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A quick and easy one-pan dinner featuring seasoned ground beef, tender rice, and a melted cheese topping. Perfect for busy weeknights, this comforting skillet meal comes together in about 25 minutes with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • Optional: fresh parsley or green onions for garnish

Instructions

  1. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Once shimmering, add ground beef and break into small pieces. Cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until browned, then stir and cook another 3-4 minutes until fully browned. Drain excess fat if needed, leaving about 1 tablespoon.
  2. Reduce heat to medium. Add diced onion and cook 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add uncooked rice to the skillet and stir to toast for 1 minute. Sprinkle with smoked paprika, cumin, onion powder, salt, and pepper; stir to coat.
  4. Pour in beef broth and undrained diced tomatoes with green chilies. Stir, scraping bottom of pan to release browned bits. Bring to a boil over high heat (about 2-3 minutes).
  5. Reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15-18 minutes without lifting the lid. Check rice: it should be tender and most liquid absorbed. If needed, cook 2-3 more minutes.
  6. Remove lid. Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top. Cover and let sit off heat for 2-3 minutes until cheese melts. Optionally, broil 1-2 minutes for a browned top.
  7. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if desired. Serve hot straight from the skillet.

Notes

For best results, use 80/20 ground beef for flavor and moisture. Toast the rice before adding liquid for a nutty flavor. Do not lift the lid while simmering to ensure even cooking. Shred cheese from a block for smoother melting. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freeze well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy ground beef and rice skillet, one-pan dinner, easy weeknight meal, comfort food, ground beef recipe, cheesy rice skillet

Find it online: https://tastytuck.com/easy-cheesy-ground-beef-and-rice-skillet-best-one-pan-dinner/